The Nissan Navara: A quick look

The Nissan Navara is a pickup truck that first entered the market in 1997. It’s still in production today, with the second-generation model currently being produced. The second-generation Navara came out in 2004, introduced at the North American International Auto Show. The new Navara resembles the exterior styling of the Nissan Titan and utilizes the F-Alpha platform. Navaras sold in North America and Europe got facelifts in 2009 and 2010, respectively. In 2010, the Nissan Navara was recognized by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for having the Highest Side-Impact Safety Rating and by JD Power and Associates for being the Highest Ranked Midsize Pickup in Initial Quality. In 2011, it also received the highest rating for front, side, and roof strength evaluations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Pros

Entry-level Nissan Navaras are equipped nicely, fitted with electric windows, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Bump it up to the Tekna spec and you’ll get 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, keyless entry, and cruise control. A rear parking camera and satellite navigation system are added with the Outlaw trim.

As for handling, the Navara performs better than many of the other pickup trucks around. Though it falls short of what you would expect out of a lifestyle 4x4, it offers well-controlled body movements and accurate steering. Switch to four-wheel drive and you’ve got a pretty decent off-road ability complemented by a low-ratio transfer box. Wind noise is also kept to a minimum considering that the Navara is pretty boxy. Road noise is not usually a problem too, but you can enjoy a quieter drive if you get the 3.0-litre V6 engine.

The Navara also has your back, keeping you in control when things start to slide with a Stability Control System. Front, side, and curtain airbags are also standard should anything happen. As for security, Nissan helps ensure that your Navara is protected by installing deadlocks and locking wheel nuts, and marking parts.

In Double Cab, the Navara is quite spacious, fitting five adults comfortably. There’s also lots of room at the rear and cabin cubbies help keep things organized for everyone. The King Cab though offers even more space at the back, ideal for anyone transporting big loads regularly.

Cons

According to official figures, an entry-level Nissan Navara fitted with a 2.5-litre diesel engine produces 187bhp and a generous torque of 332lb ft. However, it’s a bit disappointing under real driving conditions for it feels weak during low revs. It should also have a lot of pull but it appears to not like being worked hard. You’re going to have to opt for the 3.0-litre V6 engine if you want more power. It’s going to be pricier though but it should get the job done.

Step inside the Navara and it’s not a total disappoint. The cabin materials are not exactly appealing though, but you will get the feel that everything inside has been built to last. Everyone wants their purchases to last but if you’re going to be looking at something for a long time, it would definitely be better if it looked more appealing.

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History of Nissan Navara

Nissan Motor Company, the Japanese multinational automaker, produced a new model for its pickup trucks which was under the general name Nissan Navara. This began production in the year 1997 and is the name given for the D22 and D40 generations if the pickup trucks created by Nissan. This was created as a replacement for the Nissan D21 series, which was a small pick up truck.

The Navara was available as a two door truck or a four door truck. The first was called the D22 series, which was released in 1997 until 2004. This was sold under different names, such as: Frontier (for Philippines, USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil), Pick Up (for Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America), Navara (Europe and Australasia) and Datsun (Japan) among many others.

The predecessor of the D22 was the Nissan Hardbody. The D22 was available as a 4-speed automatic, 4-speed manual, and 5-speed manual, and it has a front engine, rear wheel drive or front engine, four wheel drive layout. The second generation Nissan Navara was called the D40 and was produced in 2005 until 2012. This was displayed at the North American International Auto Show in 2004 and is a mid-sized pick up truck.

The D40 is assembled in several countries including the United States, Thailand, Spain, Mexico, Thailand, and Philippines.